Historic Hotspots Itinerary
Historic Hotspots ultimate road trip: Hit all the historic hotspots in the South Canadian Rockies
South Canadian Rockies have a rich history and are full of unique historic hotspots. From interpretive experiences to self-guided tours, take a step back in time and explore the history of the South Canadian Rockies.
We’ve created the ultimate Historic Hotspots road trip itinerary for you, featuring accommodations and culinary stops along the way.
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Historic Hotspots
Crowsnest Pass
HWY 3
Pincher Creek
Waterton
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In the South Canadian Rockies, there are natural red hues in the mountain rock, which showcase the best alpenglow. The alpenglow is the light off the mountains, either at sunset or sunrise, that gives the landscape its most beautiful colour. This backpacking trip will take you deep into the Castle Parks wilderness to two subalpine lakes. Wake up early to watch the sunrise hit the mountain headwall and illuminate the start of your day. This backpacking trip can be done…
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Meander through the mountains at a slower pace to relax and take in views just as beautiful as a National Park, but without the busy-ness. Your first night will be spent in an awe-inspiring cirque. Then this trip is partially named “The Cirque” because you will see some of the most spectacular views while making a circle around tall mountains. This backpacking trip is intermediate to advanced. The trip lengths are designed to allow time for relaxation at camp. There are…
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Point 1
Crowsnest Pass
The Crowsnest Pass is rich in history and big on warm hospitality. This is a place of historical significance, from the boom-town days of coal mining, to bootlegging, natural disasters, legendary events, tall tales, arts and culture.
Country Encounters
Country Encounters in Crowsnest Pass offers charming historic accommodations with breakfast included, giving travellers a relaxed base in the Southern Rockies. Set in the national historic site of downtown Coleman, this property is surrounded by character buildings and mountain views. Guests can settle into comfortable rooms and wake up to a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast that makes it easy to start a day of exploring.
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Crowsnest Pass Golf Club
Conveniently located just off Highway 3 in the heart of Crowsnest Pass, the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club offers year round dining specials amidst spectacular views.
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Experience these Historic Hotspots within Crowsnest Pass:
Crowsnest Museum & Archives
Located in the heart of downtown Coleman, the Crowsnest Museum & Archives features an array of artifacts that showcase the fascinating triumphs and tragedies of Crowsnest Pass. A short walk from the museum, guests can visit the Alberta Provincial Police Barracks – the place where Constable Stephen Lawson lived, worked, and was killed. Journey through Alberta’s prohibition history and decide for yourself “who done it” at the scene of Canada’s most infamous rum-running murder.
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Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
Experience Canada’s Deadliest Rockslide at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. The centre offers interactive exhibits, informative displays, and documentary films that tell the harrowing story of the night millions of tonnes of rock from Turtle Mountain crashed down and buried the town of Frank. Open year-round, this family-friendly destination is a must for visitors to the region. The facility also includes outdoor viewpoints, an interpretive walking trail, and RV parking.
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The Bellevue Underground Mine
Book a tour at the Bellevue Mine and experience a once in a lifetime journey as you walk the footsteps of the old time miners of Crowsnest Pass. This guided underground tour will take you 1,000 feet into the mine, where you will be 150 feet below the surface. Explore the mine’s inner-workings while you learn about the rich history of one of Canada’s underground coal mines.
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Point 2
HWY 3
Every community along the iconic Highway 3 corridor has a story to tell. Explore museums, historic sites, and the cultural landmarks that bring South Canadian Rockies’ rich heritage to life.
Travelodge Pincher Creek
Make Pincher Creek your base camp during your Historic Hotspot tour. Affordable, and close to all amenities, Travelodge Pincher Creek is conveniently located in the Town of Pincher Creek, and approximately 40 minutes away from Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump and Waterton Lakes National Park.
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Oldman River Brewing Ltd.
Old Man River Brewing is a Micro Brewery and Taproom located in the humble prairie town of Lundbreck, AB, just off Highway 3, situated near the Oldman River. Proudly serving craft beer from their taproom since 2017, they also offer pizza, sandwiches, appies, and more.
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Experience these Historic Hotspots within HWY 3 Region:
Leitch Coilleries
Explore the ruins of an old coal-processing plant, including coke ovens, against the stunning backdrop of the South Canadian Rockies. Visitors can explore this site via walking paths and learn about the history this provincial landmark via interpretive panels and information displays. The site also offers picnic tables and RV parking. Leitch Collieries is located East of Crowsnest Pass, on the North side of HWY 3.
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Heritage Acres Farm Museum
Heritage Acres Farm Museum in the Southern Rockies near Pincher Creek offers a working farm museum experience where families can explore Alberta’s agricultural past. Visitors can wander among numerous relocated heritage buildings and watch century-old equipment in action, thanks to the size of the property. During summer events, it is common to see vintage tractors or horses and buggies moving through the grounds, creating a hands-on, living-history experience for guests of all ages.
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Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
Extend your road trip with a stop at the iconic Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. This UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, learn about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People.
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Point 3
Pincher Creek
On the footsteps of the Rockies, just east of the Castle Region, roots run deep in Pincher Creek. Learn about the area’s rich pioneer heritage, take in beautiful natural scenery, waterfalls, World Heritage sites, museums, arts centres and enjoy outdoor sports and adventures.
The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch
If you’re looking for unparalleled beauty and wilderness between Pincher Creek and Waterton, then Thanksgiving Ranch is the place for you. This unique, luxury accommodation is 40 kilometers west of Pincher Creek’s town centre and offers breathtaking views and a custom, one of a kind experience.
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Seeds Flower Shop
Located on Pincher Creek’s quaint main street, Seeds offers tasty baked goods, and breakfast and lunch menus that feature thoughtfully crafted and locally sourced menu items. Browse their gift shop and check out other nearby retailers featuring unique items.
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Kootenai Brown Historical Park
Located along the creek that gives Pincher Creek its name, the Kootenai Brown Historical Park is open year-round, with varying hours between summer and winter. Visitors can explore Pioneer Place, home to a Visitor Information Centre, extensive archives, and The Country Store, which offers local and Canadian products, vintage items, and a great selection of books. The Museum Village spans six acres, with 36 historical buildings showcasing artifacts and offering an immersive look at the area’s history. Immerse yourself in this fascinating history of this quaint pioneer village.
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Point 4
Waterton
Waterton Lakes National Park’s cultural heritage is as remarkable as its landscapes. From Indigenous cultural connections to historic architecture, Waterton’s rich heritage adds meaning to every visit.
Twin Butte Silos
Located 20 minutes outside Waterton Lakes National, Twin Butte Silos offers a truly unique accommodation experience. Each silo comfortably accommodates 4 guests, featuring a loft bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room. This sprawling acreage offers stunning views, fresh air away from the crowds, and abundant wildlife.
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The Grumpy Goat
Located in Twin Butte, in between Pincher Creek and Waterton, The Grumpy Goat serves ice cream, slushies, twisters, and homemade waffle cones! Even better? They have adorable goats on site to keep you company while you eat.
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Experience these Historic Hotspots within Waterton:
The Prince of Wales Hotel
The Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Canada’s most iconic and historic hotels. The hotel is immediately recognizable by its steep gabled roof and sits above Upper Waterton Lake, offering stunning views in a dramatic location. You don’t need to have a room booked to tour the hotel common areas, such as the lobby and gift shop, and enjoy the hotel’s famous Afternoon Tea in the restaurant (reservations are recommended). The hotel is not open in the winter months, but this legendary landmark is still worth a visit for the photos alone.
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Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre
Located one block south of the Parks Canada Visitor Info Centre, is the Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre. Through Indigenous interpretive experiences, visitors can learn about the deep connection and history of the Blackfoot culture in Waterton Lakes National Park. Visitors can also browse a craft store featuring authentically made artisan work, supporting local makers while taking home a meaningful reminder of their time in the South Canadian Rockies.
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